Sarkar trade talk

Agartala, June 5: Tripura chief minister Manik Sarkar told bureaucrats that no foul play or red tapism would be tolerated and no investor should face problems while setting up industries in the state.

Speaking at a seminar at Prajna Bhawan auditorium yesterday, under the aegis of the state government and Assocham, Sarkar said conditions for investments in the state were ideal as there was total transparency in governance.

"If you are keen to invest in our state you won't have to offer even a cup of tea to anyone. Please come directly to me, I will look into the issue and make your task easier. Any senior officer or bureaucrat indulging in unethical practices will be sternly dealt with," he said.

He said all investments involved certain risks and the industrialists must also take risks for new ventures. "I can assure you that you will never end up losers as you will have the market in Bangladesh where you can export goods," he added.

He highlighted the fact Tripura was emerging as the gateway to the Northeast. "The railway link between Akhaura and Agartala will be a reality soon, while there will be direct link between Chittagong port and South Tripura. All these will help the industrialists," he said.

Bangladesh industry minister Alhaz Amir Hossain Amu, who attended the conclave, said, "We are always keen to have a friendly and co-operative trade relations with India. Industrialists and investors in both the countries should think of joint ventures to ensure economic growth."

He added that rapidly growing connectivity between the two countries would be mutually beneficial and the present course of increased connectivity should be pursued by both the countries for mutual interests and benefits.